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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SC orders Comelec to answer Smartmatic's petition vs bidding disqualification for 2025 elections

SC orders Comelec to answer Smartmatic's petition vs bidding disqualification for 2025 elections

Published Dec 18, 2023 09:08 am

The Supreme Court (SC) has required the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to answer in 10 days the petition filed by Smartmatic TIM Corporation and Smartmatic Philippines, Inc. challenging their disqualification to participate in the bidding for the Automated Election System for the 2025 national and local elections.

In a resolution, the SC also directed the Comelec to answer Smartmatic’s plea for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction.

The SC is now on recess until the first week of January.

“Now, therefore, you respondents … are hereby required to comment on the petition and prayer for a TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice hereof,” the SC said in its resolution.        

Last November, the Comelec disqualified Smartmatic from taking part in all biddings on its procurement processes.        

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the decision was reached to “preserve the integrity of the electoral process” in the country.        

 

 

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